Saints Go Five Points Clear

Southampton 1-0 West Ham

A headed goal from Jos Hooiveld sent Southampton five points clear at the top of the Championship table.

Hooiveld's goal came just before half time, and West Ham's 'Route One' style was unable to beat Kelvin Davis in the second half.

The Hammers made the brighter start and Matt Taylor forced an early good save from Davis. Saints dominated possession and territorially in a gritty first half, but produced very little to test Manuel Almunia.

Baldock forced another good save from Davis, and the defensive scare seemed to rally Saints. Rickie Lambert and David Connolly found it hard to make an impact - with Richard Chaplow pulling the strings in the absence of Adam Lallana.

Saints' persistence paid off when Hooiveld leapt to meet a corner and his thumping header was too strong for the visitors to stop. It was a big blow for West Ham, coming just before the break.

Sam Allardyce didn't give up on his preferred direct method of play. The Hammers were reliant on John Carew winning arial balls, but with little support and a strong centre-back pairing of Hooiveld and Jose Fonte - West Ham were short on ideas.

Southampton created several chances to increase their lead as they grew in confidence. Guly do Prado wasted several good opportunities, and Connolly shot wide from a tight angle.

A slip by Fonte allowed Baldock to race though on the Southampton goal, but his shot crept agonisingly wide. A good ball in by Mark Noble, deflected onto the post and away to safety, and despite a few nervy minutes late on - Saints hung on to record their 8th win of the season. Southampton have won all six home league games so far this season.

Leicester 3-2 Southampton

Southampton's unbeaten start to the season came to a controversial end as Leicester City clung onto their first home win of the season.

The Foxes got off to a dream start as an early goal from Darius Vassell and a screamer from Richie Wellens gave the home side a commanding lead. Southampton finally woke up, and halved their opponents lead when great play from Adam Lallana set up Dean Hammond for a simple headed goal.

As Southampton searched for an equaliser, Leicester extended their lead in first half stoppage time. A dangerous ball in was headed into his own net by Southampton striker Rickie Lambert. However, Lambert appeared to be shoved in the back by Sol Bamba, but the goal stood.

The visitors came out for the second half with more determination, and got themselves back into the game when David Connolly continued his impressive scoring record with a close-range diving header.

Southampton pushed for the equaliser in a very open and attractive game. Lallana was denied twice by Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who also made a point-blank save in injury time to frustrate Lambert.

Leicester hung on for a much-needed win , while Saints learnt a valuable lesson that they won't have everything their way this season.

Ipswich 2-5 Southampton

Rickie Lambert made his mark in the Championship with two goals as Southampton brushed aside Ipswich at Portman Road.

Lambert struck twice in the first eleven minutes and David Connolly added a third to put Southampton comfortably ahead before half time.

After finishing well from close range, Lambert doubled his tally after being sent through on goal by Adam Lallana. Connolly found the net after Guly Do Prado cut though the Ipswich defence with ease.

The home side created very little in the first half, but to their credit - they launched a comeback, helped by some complacent play from Saints.

A bullet from Keith Andrew gave Ipswich hope just after the break, and Jay Emmanuel Thomas scrambled the ball home to put his team within touching distance.

However, two late strikes from Adam Lallana settled Southampton's nerves. Lallana's first was crafted by a lobbed through ball by Morgen Schneiderlin. Lallana's second strike in injury time put the result beyond doubt.

Rickie Lambert has not played at the second tier before. However, he showed he has enough ability and confidence to score with ease. David Connolly's experience could be key to Southampton's success this season. Although Nigel Adkins is still in the market for a new striker, he has two very able players who are both playing very well.

Adam Lallana has been magnificent so far this season. He deservedly grabbed two late goals, but was instrumental in sending Lambert though on goal twice to help build a healthy lead for his side. Lallana is often prone to injury, but at the moment he is playing with a great deal of confidence as Southampton remain unbeaten.

Barnsley 0-1 Southampton

Southampton won their first away game of the season with a narrow win over Barnsley.

David Connolly's scrappy header was the only goal as Barnsley are still yet to score this season.

Substitute Richard Chaplow was sent off for Saints late on for a high tackle on Jay McEveley, but Southampton temporarily went top of the Championship after extending their club record of 8 straight league wins.

Although not a particularly polished performance from Southampton, Nigel Atkins' side will be pleased with their ability to grind out a gritty victory as their confidence grows.

Barnsley had good opportunities to equalise late on, but Kelvin Davis saved twice in stoppage time to deny Ricardo Vaz Te.

Connolly grabbed the only goal in the first half when a long ball was left by the unsure Barnsley defence, and Connolly headed the ball over hesitant Barnsley goalkeeper David Preece.